On the celebrity trail - 48 hours in LA

Last January I met up with a few fashionistas in the city of dreams to ‘live like a celebrity’ or at least get a photo of one– it was after all award season.

Primed with What to do, How to explore, and Where to stay, lists thanks to DiscoverLosAngeles.com we checked in to Loews Hollywood Hotel. We were right in the middle of the action with views of the Hollywood sign on the hill, and at night we could see the shining lights of LA.

We started the day getting centered and taming our downward dog in a yoga core fusion class at Exhale Spa, located on the 5th floor of Loews. After an hour on the mat followed by time in the steam room, facials and massages we felt pliable pampered and hungry.

A quick #DineLA and we were looking at the best reviewed LA restaurants. This year DineLA is using the label “It’s like Wanderlust for foodies,” for it’s January 13-27 campaign.

We settled on lunch at Fig & Olive on Melrose Place, in West Hollywood. Here’s it’s all about the best olive oils to pair with your meal.

Well fed and well lubricated we headed to the Dolby Theater – home of the Oscars. We toured backstage and had our moment of looking out on the red chairs that the nominees would fill.

For dinner we chose Cleo Hollywood a Middle Eastern restaurant, located at the Redbury Hotel. The head chef Danny Elmaleh,was born in Israel, to a Moroccan father and a Japanese mother.

Our party of 8 wanted to try everything so the Mediterranean mezzes, was perfect for sampling and sharing. The lamb sharwarma made with caramelized onions, lebaneh, harissa, grilled laffa, the oven-roasted spicy potatoes, and chicken kebab were, shared, before I could reach for seconds. Delicious.

The night was still young so we headed out for drinks at Good Times at Davey Wayne’s – Don’t miss the entrance –set up like a garage it has a refrigerator door as the main entrance. Inside is funky 70’s retro bar, set up like a living room with comfy couches and an Airstream trailer bar. We danced to music from the live band and when we took a break from dancing cooled off with alcoholic snow-cones.

Standing on the The Dolby Theatre stage – Home of the Oscars.Margaret Owino

The 7:00 AM spin class we had signed up for came way too soon. But it promised to be more than a spin class, and I was told Lady Gaga and Victoria Beckham have dropped in.

SoulCylcle Hollywood is a spin class that promises to revival the spirit and body. After I got over the strangeness of cycling in a candle-lit room while listening to a motivational speaker I realized I had sweat out the toxins of the night before and felt elated. Best body / mind workout ever.

I was feeling fabulous now it was time to look the part…enter Glam Squad LA, who sent a hair and makeup artist to my room. In one hour she had me looking like a movie star – including taming my unruly hair!

Feeling every bit the part, of a movie star, I stepped out into the night. Or rather I stretched out in a limo for the ride to the People’s Choice Awards.

Abigail Spencer arrives at The People’s Choice Awards. From 2013 to 2016, Spencer starred as Amantha Holden in the SundanceTV drama series Rectify.Margaret Owino

As I walked towards the rope for a chance to see a celebrity, a woman turned towards me and said: “Wow, you look so glamourous you should be on the other side of the rope.”

And I almost was; aiming for a selfie with Camilla Luddington, (Jo Wilson of Grey’s Anatomy) – my iphone fell to the red carpet. She picked it up handed it to me and moved on.

Over the next hour, I saw Canadian Shawn Mendes who ended up winning Favourite Breakout Artist, as well as Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin from Homeland, Jack Black, and Shemar Moore – all from our side of the rope.

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